Austria is one of the most progressive countries in Europe, both economically and socially. The nation boasts a strong presence in the energy, engineering, manufacturing, electronics, food, and craft industries. Furthermore, Austria proves to be a healthy environment for innovators and career starters as it is dominated by SMEs.
In addition to work opportunities, you can expect good working conditions in Austria. The country hasn’t gone lower than the 13th rank in the World Happiness Index for nearly a decade.
Together, these attract foreign nationals to migrate and work. This article outlines the process of working in Austria, including eligibility requirements and a checklist of documents.
Steps to Apply for an Austrian Work Visa
In general, Austrian work visa applications follow the same path, with the only difference being whether you have a job offer or not.
You can follow these steps:
Step 1. Apply for a Work and Residence Permit
If you’re applying for a Red-White-Red Card, you must already have a job offer from a legitimate Austria-based company. Your employer will apply for a work permit at the Austrian Public Employment Service Austria (AMS – Arbeitsmarktservice).
Your employer will submit your personal documents, as well as regulatory company documents for consideration. In return, they will forward an authorization for out to move forward with your application.
If you’re applying for a Job Seeker visa, you can personally apply with Austrian authorities from your place of residence, as outlined in the following step. Note that this is not an official work permit yet, but it will give you access to the Austrian job market. You can re-apply for a Red-White-Red Card once you receive a job offer in Austria.
Step 2. Book an Appointment with the Embassy
Schedule an appointment with a competent Austrian representation authority. This may be an embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You will submit the requirements, including your employer’s authorization and a fully accomplished visa application form.
Submit your requirements and prepare for a short interview and collection of biometric data. You also need to pay processing, granting, and personalization fees as an Austrian work visa fee. Initial application costs 120 EUR (132 USD) while granting and personalization of the card cost 20 EUR (22 USD) each. These rates may vary slightly depending on the country or specific occupations.
Step 3. Receive Your Authorization
Once you submit your application, the review and approval usually take about seven weeks. After a successful application, you’ll receive the Red-White-Red Card or a Job Seeker Visa.
The Red-White-Red Card is valid for a maximum of 24 months. You are entitled to fixed-term employment and settlement. The Job Seeker Visa is valid for six months, and you can use it to look for employment in Austria legally.
Step 4. Travel to Austria
Make your travel arrangements to Austria, and upon arrival, register with the local police station to verify your residence authorization.
After 21 months of holding a Red-White-Red Card, you will be eligible for a Red-White-Red Card Plus, where you will not be any more limited to a specific employer.
Documents Needed for an Austrian Work Visa
Foreign nationals may apply for a Red-White-Red Card. This authorization is the fastest and easiest visa option, which also doubles as a work permit and residence permit.
It is for highly qualified workers, workers in shortage occupations, self-employed professionals, and other key workers. But in case you do not have a job offer yet, you can apply for a Job Seeker Visa first.
For both Austrian work visa types, there is a point system where you must obtain at least 70 points to become eligible. You can calculate your points in the Austrian points calculator.
The following documents are required for criteria eligibility, as applicable to you:
| WORK VISA REQUIREMENTS |
| Basic Requirements |
- Fully accomplished visa application form
- Valid travel document or passport
- Birth certificate or similar document
- Photograph taken in the last six months, with dimensions 45x35mm
- Proof of local accommodation in Austria (e.g., tenancy rights, ownership evidence, lease contracts)
- Proof of health insurance with full-risk coverage
- Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g., payslips, insurance benefit certificates, sufficient own assets, and similar)
- Proof of language skills (e.g., TOEFL diploma, Cambridge Certificate, Goethe-Institut Certificate)
- Employment contract, if not a job-seeker
|
| ADDITIONAL WORK VISA REQUIREMENTS |
| Applicants with Special Skills and Qualifications |
- Proof of graduation or successful completion of a tertiary education program
- Document confirming completion of a program in mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, and technology
- Proof of gross annual salary, if senior management position
- Proof of research activities (e.g., scientific publications, patents)
- Document confirming awards or prizes
|
| Applicants with Work Experience |
- Work certificates or testimonials
- Significant training certificates
- Proof of business or investment, if a start-up founder
- Proof of applicable skill, if a worker in a shortage occupation
|
| Applicants who have Studied in Austria |
- Course record book, diploma, or similar document
|
You must submit the original and a copy of the above-mentioned documents. They must also be in English or German and should be accompanied by valid translations if not.
Other less common options for visa application include fixed-term employment, seasonal workers, posting of workers, transnational hiring, and intra-corporate transfer. Nonetheless, these categories follow the same process of application as the Red White Red Card or Job Seeker visa, albeit with an appropriate note from the company.
If you wish to bring your family members with you, they can separately apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus under the family reunification agreement.
Austria is open to individuals who want to pursue their career in the country. Whether you already got your job offer or are still searching for one, there’s an appropriate work visa you can apply to. To up your success rate, plan ahead and be sure to submit all the required documents!
We hope this article on how to get a work visa in Austria was helpful! If you’re interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out the Austria Page and Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
